feminine of a form of סַנְסִן; a bough; Sansannah, a place in Palestine; Sansannah.
Transliteration:Çançannâh
Pronunciation:san-san-naw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word סַנְסַנָּה (Çançannâh), Strong's H5578, is defined as a feminine form derived from a root related to סַנְסִן (cf. `{{H5577}}`), meaning "a bough" or "palm-branch." This underlying semantic range points to a natural object, specifically a branch or limb of a tree. The feminine ending might suggest a particular type of bough, a collection of boughs, or simply be a grammatical feature of the noun. While its base meaning is a botanical term, its sole occurrence in the biblical text is as a proper noun, a place name. This indicates that the place was likely named for its association with trees, branches, or perhaps a prominent tree or thicket in the area.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word Çançannâh (`{{H5578}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, exclusively as a geographical designation:
* [[Joshua 15:31]]: "And Ziklag, and Madmannah, and Sansannah,"
In this verse, Sansannah is listed among the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah, specifically within the Negeb, or southern district of their vast inheritance. The context is a detailed enumeration of towns and villages, meticulously recorded to delineate the tribal boundaries and the extent of the promised land. Its inclusion in this list, alongside other known locations, confirms its existence as a real place during the time of the Israelite conquest and settlement. As a place name, its etymological connection to "bough" suggests that the site may have been characterized by specific arboreal features, perhaps a grove of trees, a notable single tree, or a region known for its vegetation, which would have been particularly noteworthy in the often arid Negeb.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is סַנְסִן (sansin, `{{H5577}}`), which directly means "bough" or "palm-branch." This connection is crucial for understanding the potential origin and meaning behind the place name Sansannah. Beyond this direct lexical link, the word evokes broader biblical concepts:
* **Trees and Vegetation**: Throughout Scripture, trees symbolize life, flourishing, stability, and divine provision (e.g., the tree of life, trees planted by streams of water in [[Psalm 1:3]]). The naming of a place after a bough could subtly allude to the land's capacity for sustenance or its natural beauty.
* **Land Allotment and Inheritance**: The context in Joshua places Sansannah within the divine distribution of the land of Canaan to the tribes of Israel. This connects to the overarching theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
* **Geography of the Negeb**: The Negeb was often a challenging, semi-arid region. A place named "Bough" or "Place of Boughs" might signify an oasis, a relatively fertile spot, or a location with a distinctive natural landmark, making its inclusion in the tribal inheritance particularly significant as a sign of God's provision even in less hospitable areas.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Sansannah (`{{H5578}}`) stems primarily from its role within the narrative of Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land.
1. **Divine Faithfulness and Fulfillment**: Its listing in [[Joshua 15:31]] is a testament to Yahweh's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises. The precise demarcation of tribal territories, including places like Sansannah, demonstrates God's meticulous fulfillment of His word, providing a tangible inheritance for His people.
2. **God's Sovereignty Over Creation and Geography**: Even a place name derived from a natural feature like a "bough" ultimately points to the Creator's sovereignty. God, who designed the landscape and provided the trees, also ordained the boundaries and habitations of His chosen people within that land. The very name could subtly hint at God's provision of life and sustenance even in the natural world.
3. **Symbolism of Life and Flourishing (Indirect)**: While not explicitly symbolic in the text, the etymological root "bough" carries connotations of life, growth, and fruitfulness. In a dry land, a place named for its branches might have represented a location of natural vitality. This can be seen as an indirect reflection of God's desire for His people to flourish within the land He has given them.
### Summary
H5578, סַנְסַנָּה (Çançannâh), primarily means "a bough" but functions exclusively as a proper noun, a place name, in the biblical text. Its sole occurrence is in [[Joshua 15:31]], where it is listed as one of the cities allotted to the tribe of Judah in the Negeb. The name likely reflects a natural characteristic of the location, perhaps an area noted for its trees or branches (cf. `{{H5577}}`). Theologically, Sansannah's inclusion in the land apportionment highlights God's steadfast faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel, demonstrating His sovereign provision and the meticulous nature of His divine plan for His people's inheritance.
TRV